Title:
Information, Communication and Consciousness: from Corn to Cats and Coyotes.

Abstract:
This talk provides an overview of several current, interconnected dialogues in philosophy. I will outline a variety of philosophical approaches to understanding language, communication, the evolution of cooperation, and the origin of consciousness, with examples of informational vocalizations from a variety of social Earth species (e.g. cats, coyotes, dolphins). How should we understand meaning, and how can we best define mind, in order to enhance our scientific pursuits exploring the beginning of sophisticated cognition and semantic import? The talk is aimed at raising more questions than it answers, and providing a framework for extended discussion.